Classics

Philip Freeman (department head)

Classics is the study of the languages, literature, and culture of the ancient Greco-Roman world. Greek and Latin are fundamental languages for the study of European literature and civilization, as well as the development of modern languages. The timeless literature of the Greeks and Romans produced Homer, Sappho, Thucydides, Plato, Virgil, and St. Augustine, to name just a few. Greek and Roman civilization has also had an enormous influence on facets of modern culture from law and poetry to art and religion. At Luther, classics also includes the study of Biblical Hebrew.

At Luther, students may earn a major in classics (Greek and Latin) or biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew). There are also minors available in classics and classical studies.

The study of classics is excellent preparation for any number of fields. Classics graduates have pursued careers and graduate studies in many areas, including music, computer science, foreign languages, theology, education, medicine, law, and business.

A classics major combines the study of the Greek and Latin languages, along with classical civilization. The department also offers two minors: (1) A classics minor focusing on Greek or Latin; (2) A classical studies minor focusing on classical civilization courses in translation.

Required for a classics major: Nine courses—six courses in Latin or six courses in Greek, two courses in the other language, plus one course from classical studies, or ART 251, HIST 241, 242, HONR 210, MUS 341, PHIL 200. Other nonlanguage courses may apply with the permission of the department head. Students contemplating graduate study in classics should take additional courses in both languages.

Teaching option in Latin: Students majoring in classics may become certified to teach Latin at a secondary level either as a primary field or as a second teaching area. See the education department for specific requirements.

Required for a classics minor: Five courses—four courses in Greek or four courses in Latin, plus one course from classical studies, or ART 251, HIST 241, 242, HONR 210, MUS 341, PHIL 200. Other non-language courses may apply with the permission of the department head.

Required for a classical studies minor: Five courses to be chosen from classical studies, ART 251, HIST 241, 242, HONR 210, MUS 341, PHIL 200. Other non-language courses may apply with the permission of the department head. Students may also apply a maximum of two Greek or Latin courses to the minor.